Lakes of Plumas County
With over 100 lakes to choose from, Plumas County offers visitors an opportunity to soak up some of the most beautiful lakes in Northern California. Some lakes are more accessible—they can be reached by car, allow motorized boats, and have jet ski rentals; others can only be reached by foot or bike and offer a complete escape into nature.
Choose your own adventure
Whether you’re looking to enjoy water sports with a group or relax and unplug on a solo adventure, the diversity of our lakes offers something for everyone.
Below are just a few of our many lakes. We may be biased but we do think we have some of the best lakes in Northern California. We invite you to unplug and feel the magic of our mountain lakes and the vast forests that surround them. Jump to a region by clicking any of the images below.
Lakes in Northwest Plumas County
Lake Almanor
With 52 miles of shoreline, Lake Almanor boasts many year-round activities and beautiful views of Lassen Peak.
photo by Betty Bishop
Photo by Eddy Mutch
photo by Betty Bishop
Photo by Betty Bishop
Lake Almanor Fast Facts
- Elevation: 4,500 feet
- Access: Year-round, optimal between May to October
- Activities: Fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, birding, camping
- Boating: Motorized boats, water-skiing and jet skis allowed.
- Two Public boat launches on the west shore of lake
- Closest Town: Chester
Butt Valley Reservoir
A seasonal, quiet mountain lake with 12 miles of shoreline
Butt Valley Reservoir Fast Facts
- Elevation: 4,150 feet
- Seasonal
- Activities: Fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, birding, camping
- Motorized boats allowed. No water or jet skiing allowed.
- One public boat launch
- Closest towns: Chester and Greenville
Juniper Lake
A smaller lake in the SW portion of Lassen Volcanic National Park with close to 5 miles of shoreline. The area was severely damaged by Dixie Fire.
Juniper Lake with Lassen PeakJuniper Lake Fast Facts
- Elevation: 6,792 feet
- Seasonal: June – October usually
- Activities: Swimming, Hiking, Picnicking, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddle Boards, camping, and corrals for horses and horse trails. Campground closed for 2022.
- No boat launch or motorized boats allowed
- Closest town Chester
Lake Helen
Glacial Lake nestled at the base of Lassen Peak, with stunning deep blue color
Lake Helen Fast Facts
- Elevation: 8,000 feet
- Seasonal
- Activities: Swimming, Picnicking, Hiking, Photography
- Boats not allowed on lake
- Closest town Chester
Manzanita Lake
Great family lake located near the NW entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Quiet Cove of Manzanita LakeManzanita Lake Fast Facts
- Elevation: 5,846 feet
- Year-round
- Activities: Fishing, Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking, Picnicking, Photography, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing
- Boat Launch
- Non-motorized boating allowed
- Closest towns Old Station, Shingletown and Chester
Lakes in North Central Plumas County
Antelope Lake
Seasonal access to a quiet mountain lake with 15 miles of shoreline
photo by Jeff TitcombAntelope Lake Fast Facts
- Elevation: 5,069 feet
- Seasonal
- Activities: Fishing, kayaking, water-skiing, jet skis, swimming, hiking, biking, mountain biking, birding, camping
- Boating: Motorized boats, water-skiing and jet skis allowed
- Two fee-operated boat launches
- Closest town: Taylorsville
Round Valley Reservoir
A small quiet lake three miles above Greenville
photo by Jeff TitcombRound Valley Reservoir Fast Facts
- Elevation: 4,521 feet
- Usually accessible year-round
- Activities: Fishing, Kayaking, Hiking, Picnicking, Bird Watching, Camping
- Non- motorized boating and kayaking allowed
- Closest town Greenville
Lakes in South Central Plumas County
Bucks Lake
A beautiful, semi-isolated destination offering year-round enjoyment. With 17 miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, and tall pines, Bucks Lake attracts anglers, campers, hikers, and water sports enthusiasts in the temperate months, and snowmobilers and snowshoe explorers in the winter.
Fly fishing at Bucks Lake
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Bucks Lake Fast Facts
- Elevation 5,200
- Winter access is via snowmobile, optimal summer activities between May to October
- Activities: Fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, birding, scenic drives, camping
- Boating: Motorized boats, water-skiing and jet skis allowed
- Public boat launch
- Closest town: Quincy
Crystal Lake
Small lake with beautiful views
Photo by Samantha Rose
Photo by Samantha Rose
Crystal Lake Fast Facts
- Region: Border of North Central and South Central
- Elevation: 6,693 feet
- Seasonal
- Activities: Mountain biking, backpacking, fishing, swimming, hiking, birding
- Access is a rough gravel road from Taylorsville or the southern route from Quincy or hiking on Mt. Hough Trail
- Closest town: Taylorsville or Quincy
Silver Lake
Reflections galore on this beautiful, small lake in Bucks Lake Wilderness
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Photo by Carrie Hawthorne
Silver Lake Fast Facts
- Elevation: 5,800 feet
- Seasonal. Gravel road not open in winter but can ski in
- Activities Hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, camping, birding
- Non-motorized boats only
- Closest town: Quincy
Snake Lake
Very scenic fishing lake, with mountain biking trails, OHV trails and winter recreation
photo by Paul Wade Eldahl
Lakes in Southeast Plumas County
Snake Lake Fast Facts
- Elevation: 3,954 feet
- Year-round
- Activities birding, horseback riding, picnicking, boating in spring, walking, snowshoeing and skiing if snow, OHV, mountain biking
- Not a great lake for swimming
- Non-motorized boats
- Access by paved road
- Closest town Quincy
Lake Davis
Lake Davis is part of the Lake Davis Recreation area in Plumas National Forest with 32 miles of shoreline
Lake Davis Fast Facts
- Elevation: 5,800 feet
- Year-round
- Activities: Fishing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming. picnicking, kayaking, bird watching, photography, wildflower viewing, and fantastic fall colors.
- Four boat launches
- Motorized Boats allowed. No water or jet skis allowed.
- Closest town: Portola
Eureka Lake
Easy to access and great views of Eureka Peak in Plumas Eureka State Park
Eureka Lake Fast Facts
- Elevation: 6,184 feet
- Year-round. Closes at sunset.
- Access via Eureka Lake Road – unpaved seasonal road.
- Activities: Hiking, wildflowers, swimming, snowshoeing, cross country & backcountry skiing, picnicking. No camping or fires.
- Closest towns: Johnsville and Graeagle
Frenchman Lake
4-mile long lake that’s a favorite among outdoor recreation enthusiasts
Photo by Charlie Pankey
Frenchman Lake Fast Facts
- Elevation: 5,800 feet
- Year-round
- Activities: Fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, water-skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, OHVs, camping, ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing
- Two fee-operated boat launches
- Closest town: Chilcoot
KEEP PLUMAS COUNTY CLEAN, GREEN & WILD
We love welcoming visitors to create lifelong memories on our beautiful lands and unique communities. While visiting Plumas County, take the Plumas Pledge to help us care for the health of our natural places and the well-being of our communities.
take the plumas pledge!
- Prioritize wildfire prevention
- Leave places as you found them
- Pack out all of your trash—bonus points if you pick up trash left by others!
- Stay on designated trails and camp in designated areas
- Check the weather before heading out
- Be mindful of your energy and resource usage
- Ditch plastic bottles and drink our mountain fresh tap water instead
- Choose locally made products and services from local businesses
- Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in Plumas
